BRAD'S COMMENTS:
Along with the formidable V-30 class, the V-27 represents the apex of Romulan
cruiser design from the Motion Picture-Kirk era. Sleek, bird-like, powerful, the V-27 is a
solid performer and can challenge even Federation heavy cruisers like the
Miranda/Reliant. Unlike some other Romulan designs from the FASA days,
this is one design I have never had any trouble imagining on the big
screen. Its sweeping wings and predatory stance seem like a logical
intermediate Romulan step between the old teardrop of TOS and the menacing,
hook-beaked beast of TNG. Like the
Chandley class from the Federation
book, I have always wished that the V-27 (and the V-30 alongside it) would get
some kind of official recognition. It's a great looking class and it plays
great too. What more could you want?

From the FASA Star Trek ROMULAN SHIP RECOGNITION MANUAL, circa 1985
V-27 (Comet of Destruction) Class XII Cruiser
Known Sphere Of Operation: Empire-wide use
Data Reliability: C
Major Data Source: Combat reports; Romulan Sector Intelligence
The V-27 Class, like the V-30 Class, its counterpart, was designed to provide flagships for the Romulan Navy that would keep parity with new Klingon and Star Fleet vessels.
These vessels are very seldom seen operating alone outside a fleet and will always be found with a destroyer escort group
accompanying them.
Introduced about Stardate 2/16, the Type 1 is mounted with photon
torpedoes both fore and aft and the newest high-powered disruptors. The Comet saw combat early in its career and proved itself to be a formidable
opponent. The Type 2, introduced about Stardate 2/18, mounted improved photon weaponry and disruptors.
Of the approximately 50 V-27s built, all are in active service.
These ships are being produced at a rate of about ten per year, a number that has alarmed both the Klingons and UFP commands because the balance of power could easily be swayed with the introduction of large numbers of a ship of this power.
The class is named from the RomuIan takara morlatta (comet of
destruction), in reference to a comet that formerly traveled through the Romulan home system on a 40-year cycle.
According to The Eridam Papers, this comet was seen by early Romulans as a bearer of death and destruction.
It was destroyed by the Romulan navy shortly after inter-planetary travel was
established.